What do you think?
Rate this book
Lone Wolf #2
The False Faces
A WWI German spy ring has reason to regret crossing paths with Michael Lanyard. The second "Lone Wolf" adventure.
ebook
First published January 1, 1918
79 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Louis Joseph Vance
191 books6 followersLouis Joseph Vance was a novelist educated in the preparatory department of the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He wrote short stories and verse after 1901, then composed many popular novels. His character "Michael Lanyard", also known as "The Lone Wolf", was featured in eight books and 24 films between 1914 and 1949, and also appeared in radio and television series.
Vance was separated from his wife (whom he married in 1898 and by whom he had a son the next year) when he was found dead in a burnt armchair inside his New York apartment; a cigarette had ignited some benzene (used for cleaning his clothes or for his broken jaw) that he had on his body and he was intoxicated at the time. He had recently returned from the West Indies, where he gathered material for a new book. The death was ruled accidental.
Vance was separated from his wife (whom he married in 1898 and by whom he had a son the next year) when he was found dead in a burnt armchair inside his New York apartment; a cigarette had ignited some benzene (used for cleaning his clothes or for his broken jaw) that he had on his body and he was intoxicated at the time. He had recently returned from the West Indies, where he gathered material for a new book. The death was ruled accidental.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 10, 2019
Verbose
It was a good story, but the author use of two many words to describe something really put me off and I found it boring. His style of writing may have been the thing of 1920s,but as Mark Twain said “ Use plain language, and short sentences.” The characters were really good, that and goos storyline was why I gave it two stars.
It was a good story, but the author use of two many words to describe something really put me off and I found it boring. His style of writing may have been the thing of 1920s,but as Mark Twain said “ Use plain language, and short sentences.” The characters were really good, that and goos storyline was why I gave it two stars.
October 31, 2020
Michael Lanyard is a former gentleman thief, known as "the Lone Wolf". In the early days of the Great War, he suffers private loss of enormous magnitude, leaving him with a personal vendetta against all Germans in general, but one spy in particular. When the Allies accept his proffered talents, Lanyard travels to the U.S., and becomes embroiled in danger, espionage, intrigue, and revenge while still at sea, which dogs his steps all the way to a final encounter in New York City.
This was a completely entertaining adventure. Vance's stark depiction of the trenches made a gripping hook, and, despite being overly melodramatic at times, False Faces remained absorbing through the final scene. Lanyard is a surprisingly well-drawn character -- still tempted by the illicit, but striving to remain a lawful gentleman in his actions, even when life is at stake. The plot was fast-paced, never dull, and, though unbelievable, still intelligent. I enjoyed the first in the series (The Lone Wolf), but found this second to be far superior. I will certainly read more of the exploits of the Lone Wolf.
This was a completely entertaining adventure. Vance's stark depiction of the trenches made a gripping hook, and, despite being overly melodramatic at times, False Faces remained absorbing through the final scene. Lanyard is a surprisingly well-drawn character -- still tempted by the illicit, but striving to remain a lawful gentleman in his actions, even when life is at stake. The plot was fast-paced, never dull, and, though unbelievable, still intelligent. I enjoyed the first in the series (The Lone Wolf), but found this second to be far superior. I will certainly read more of the exploits of the Lone Wolf.
August 2, 2020
So many of these early turn-of-the-century spy books (WWI) are just fantastic. Another in the series of the Lone Wolf novels, False Faces written in 1918 continues the escapades of Michael Lanyard - thief turned patriot as he travels from Europe to the US by means of ocean liner and submarine to vanquish the evil Ekstrom and fight with the Allies. The writing is a little old-fashioned, but it really makes you concentrate and think about what the author is saying. And the stories are complex and just so much fun. Very enjoyable and I will definitely continue on with this series.
April 16, 2022
Great series
Vance is a true word smith and provides quality reading instead of the everyday formula types that are on the market today! You will need your thinking caps on for this author but he is worth it!
Vance is a true word smith and provides quality reading instead of the everyday formula types that are on the market today! You will need your thinking caps on for this author but he is worth it!
December 27, 2017
A war time thriller
This story had so many ins and outs of the hero. It was definitely hard to put down. I see there are many more books in the series.:
This story had so many ins and outs of the hero. It was definitely hard to put down. I see there are many more books in the series.:
October 4, 2023
The plot and the characters are very complex but well developed. A great read.
August 2, 2016
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley MA
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews